Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to postpone his presidential ambitions until 2031.
George, in a statement on Wednesday, emphasized the need for Atiku to adopt President Joe Biden’s approach of empowering younger leaders
He believes it’s time for Nigeria’s older generation to give way to fresh, youthful perspectives in the country’s highest office.
Section 7, Sub-section 3 (C) of the PDP Constitution stated that zoning and rotation must be maintained for justice, fairness and equity.
“In our party, this is the right and logical thing to do in the present political circumstances.
“But if Alhaji Abubakar is desperate to contest again, I will advise him as a friend, a party man and brother to wait till 2031. By then, he will be 85 years.
As loyal party members, we must continue to respect PDP Constitution. Fair is fair. I joined the PDP in 1998 and I have remained in this party since.”
The PDP chieftain said that he was elected National Vice-Chairman (South-West) and later, Deputy-National Chairman and now, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and one of the respected elders and credible voices of our party.
So, Nigerians are waiting for us to rescue them in 2027 but a southerner must lead the battle,” he said.
George urged every member of the party to embrace and respect the entrenched principles of zoning and rotation, bestowed on the party by our founding fathers since inception in 1998
“The principles explicitly stipulate that, at the end of every eight years, all elective and party offices should change from the northern divide to the southern divide and vice versa.
“That is the position which I will continue to champion till thy kingdom come!” he said.
He explained that a Southerner must occupy the office of the President and Commander in Chief from 2023 to 2031 “because that is the reality of our country, PDP constitution and our polity”.
George, a former military governor of Ondo State said the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner from Katsina State, just left office after ruling for eight years.
He added that power at the federal level could not go to the North in 2027 because “that is the reality of our country and our party’s constitution”.
He said, “Even in 2027, Atiku will be 81 years and this is the time for him to embrace President Joe Biden’s concept of allowing the younger generation to run for the highest office in the land.
I have nothing personal against Alhaji Abubakar. He is my friend but the truth must be told. By 2027, by God’s Grace, I will also be in my 80s.
“So, what am I looking for in public office as an octogenarian? The same principle should apply to Alhaji Abubakar.
“We all saw what American President, Joe Biden, did recently when he stepped down for Kamala Harris to contest the November presidential election.
“That is the hallmark of a statesman. Alhaji Abubakar should do same so that in 2027, PDP will field a southerner as presidential candidate.
